GPEI Strategy and policy documents as well as technical guidance and other materials for Poliovirus Containment implementation and certification.
The GPEI Strategy for Global Poliovirus Containment defines high-level containment principles that must be carried forward by all containment stakeholders. It is intended to elaborate the polio containment principles outlined in the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026.
To support GPEI partners and Member States with commitments towards poliovirus containment, the Global Poliovirus Containment Action Plan 2022–2024 presents distinct goals and objectives for poliovirus containment as outlined in the Strategy for Global Poliovirus Containment.
The WHO Global Action Plan for Poliovirus Containment, 4th edition, 2022 (GAPIV), formerly GAPIII, came into force on 1 July 2022 and is the chief guidance document for poliovirus containment implementation. GAPIV was endorsed by the Poliovirus Containment Advisory Group in June 2022. The Poliovirus Containment Certification Scheme (CCS) is the defined mechanism for confirming achievement of containment within facilities retaining poliovirus. Several form and templates have been made available to support implementation of the CCS.
All countries holding poliovirus stocks are urged to follow guidance in GAPIV to ensure risk associated with continued handling and storage of poliovirus is minimized. Countries that have implemented requirements in GAPIII will need to ensure audits against GAPIV as per CAG guidance.
For queries, please email: containment@who.int.
Related: Global Action Plan for Poliovirus Containment (GAP) documents
This guidance aims to facilitate the identification of materials potentially infectious for polioviruses within laboratories that handle human stool specimens, respiratory samples or environmental sewage. Depending on the place and time of collection, these materials may contain infectious polioviruses that are eradicated (WPV2 and WPV3), nearly eradicated (WPV1) or originating from oral polio vaccines. Identifying, eliminating the risk through destruction, or mitigating the risk of handling such materials is essential, not only to maintain the safety of laboratory workers and their communities, but also for the success of the global polio eradication effort.
Facilities are encouraged to use Web Annex A to assess the risk of sample collections potentially infectious for poliovirus, and Web Annex B to complete the form available as Web Annex C. Web Annex D helps national focal points complete the progress reporting form describing preparations for poliovirus containment.
Related: PIM documents and materials
WHO has published guidance for managing human exposure to live polioviruses in laboratory facilities. Countries where polioviruses are kept require this guidance.
The document is primarily aimed at workers handling and storing polioviruses in designated poliovirus-essential facilities and outlines public health measures to be taken in the event of a spill or containment breach.
The annual consultation between the GPEI, poliovirus vaccine manufacturers, National Authorities for Containment (NACs) and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) provides an opportunity for these groups to meet and collectively discuss poliovirus vaccine demand and supply, strategies, policies, and recommendations on production and quality control.